Architecture and Zoning Committee
July 2010 update: In 2009, the Architecture and Zoning Committee (A&Z) reviewed over 20 plans provided by the City of Annapolis’ Planning and Zoning Department (P&Z) or property owners. In addition, A&Z met with multiple property owners at their request, as well as with P&Z staff. Also, A&Z established sub-teams that are in the process of studying three topics: (1) Zoning Code revisions; (2) design guide revision; and (3) accessory buildings.
A&Z is comprised of volunteers from the ECA membership representing architectural, architectural history, design, land use laws, and/or community interests. The current members are: Nick Berry, Judy Billage, Jan Cort, Joyce Gomoljak, Al Graf, Tarry Lomax, Paul Richards, Gary Schwerzler, Bill Trulio and Jackie Wells (Chair). Volunteers interested in serving as members of A&Z are welcome and should contact the volunteer coordinator at dpetersod@aol.com.
Property owners seeking advice in planning new construction or alterations to existing structures and wish to meet with A&Z at an upcoming meeting may contact A&Z at: architecture@eastportcivic.org. A&Z generally meets in Eastport on the fourth Thursday of the month.
-- Jackie
The purpose of the Architecture and Zoning Committee is to represent the Eastport Civic Association (ECA) by working with the City’s Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Department and other City agencies regarding the architectural aspects and zoning considerations of proposed development in the Eastport area. The committee purview includes architectural aspects of development that affect the welfare, character and quality of life in Eastport including the Residential Conservation Overlay and the Eastport Gateway Ordinance. The committee shall also follow any proposed changes to laws, regulations or codes within its purview and as they apply to Eastport.
The committee shall review and make recommendations on the architectural and zoning aspects of proposed new construction or alterations to existing structures. The basis for these determinations are the protection of the architectural massing, composition and styles as well as neighborhood scale and character; the compatibility of new construction and structural alterations with the existing scale and architectural character of surrounding properties; the encouragement of existing types of land uses that reflect the mixture and diversity of uses that have historically existed in the community; and preservation of streetscapes.
The committee shall transmit its recommendations to P&Z staff or other appropriate City agencies in writing, with the caveat that any official ECA recommendations will be submitted through the ECA President. The committee shall prepare materials for the newsletter and the website to keep members abreast of development plans and outcomes when appropriate.
The committee shall consist of a chairman and at least four other members of ECA in good standing. Committee members shall have the following qualifications:
- One member shall have a background in architecture and/or architectural history in order to understand and interpret P & Z guidelines.
- One member shall be an attorney and have an understanding of local land use ordinances and issues.
- The third member shall have design qualifications..
- The remaining members need not have specific qualifications other than an interest in the work of the committee.